Do you know who you are?
This blog was published on Kathy’s Substack. I wanted to re-publish it here because it is fundamental to this enterprise in understanding why I do what I do. I hope you will join me.
Fashion fades. Authenticity lasts forever.
I didn’t realise that launching my new art business would be the most rewarding act I’ve ever embarked upon.
But stepping into the light as an artist has been an act of bravery.
And I feel, for the first time in a long time — me.
People who have known me for decades or strangers say the same thing to me: “You look happy! You look great! Or — Girl, I love your style!”
And I think it all comes down to authenticity. Living my best life. Some people say oh, I love your fashion sense. But let’s first start with what the word fashion means to me: craze, rage, fad — what is current, trending. Fashion is a combination of French and old English and refers to forming, making, doing and ultimately styling the outward appearance of something or someone. What you wear and how you look can influence how you feel, how others perceive you and impact your life, your outlook and your overall happiness. Ever have a bad haircut? We’ve all been there. I don’t think this has anything to do with fashion.
My positivity is coming from another place and has to do with more than what I wear. It comes from my values, my ethos and my drive to create and build.
My advice? Don’t conform. Find your own voice, your own story and share it.
There is a psychology to dressing (from human behaviour to body image) and the fashion and beauty industry depends on it. There is a lot written about fast fashion — its impact and cost.
This is not that.
Planning for my Paris trip - nearly everything is vintage, upcycled or thrifted (above).
My ethos
I have worked on climate issues across multiple sectors and with international, national and local clients for well over a decade. Nearly fifteen years actually…with the National Trust to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to the Environmental Defense Fund…I take the carrot and not the stick approach to sustainability, carbon neutrality and ethical business practices. I gently encourage people to learn, and to embark on a sustainable journey. No scaremongering. No judgey-mc-judgersons. That’s just not me.
Since the Pandemic, I have been supporting clients across hospitality, retail, technology, health, financial services, regulatory and climate advocacy engagements. The longer I work in these areas, the more dedicated I have become to living a sustainable, authentic life personally and professionally.
As I launch Kathy Kyle Art Studio, I have taken steps to ensure every aspect of our value chain reflects my ethos and values.
It all begins with people.
I feel honoured to share people’s stories through art.
Every piece I create reflects the people who touch the artwork: my client, the person hand finishing the fabric, the person providing the material to our manufacturer. Our 100% pure twill silk scarves are handmade in the UK: the art is hand painted in Surrey and are hand finished in Macclesfield. I source the silk from the only Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified and organic silk supplier in the United Kingdom.
My printing partner
Sustainability and luxury go hand in glove.
When I attended the CISL Accelerator last year through my consultancy DigiKind, I realised then that I wanted to follow my creative passion and launch my art business. I met one of my personal sheroes Arabella Turek from Petit Pli and many inspiring founders, investors and the entire CISL team, who were so very supportive and generous with their advice and time. Over the past few years I have been working to make DigiKind net neutral, which we achieved last year with the help of inspiring consultants introduced to me by Small Business Britain — Ciaran Armstrong from Sustainable Pathways, Lauren Tuckerman from Oxford Brookes and and Adam Bastock from Small 99.
CISL Inspiration (above)
I’ve conducted extensive research and found that silk is the only natural fibre that produces more oxygen than it consumes, and the mulberry tree - where our silk is derived - contributes towards carbon neutrality. These trees don’t need harmful chemicals or pesticides to thrive. This is one of the reasons I selected silk as my medium for sharing my art and my clients’ stories.
I’ve selected my production partner in the north of England to ensure that our scarves are made without harmful chemicals. The water used is drawn from their very own reservoir, which contains no chlorine, chloramines, mercury, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), pharmaceuticals, herbicides or pesticides.
I package the scarf in a certified ‘eco-friendly’ yet luxury box that is sturdy and is built to last. However should my clients decide to store their scarf elsewhere, the box is fully recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable as it is sustainably sourced and composed of recycled materials. All additional materials are printed on FSC-certified paper, our inks are UL Greenguard Gold, OEKO-Tex Eco Certified, and every piece blends exquisite British craftsmanship with a commitment to sustainable, artisan values. I have also ensured that all suppliers in my value chain undertake ethical business practices.
Who cares matters
I recognise that for some, the meticulous way in which I have approached sustainability in my business may not be as important, or perhaps it isn’t the first priority. And that is totally ok! I hope that they will love the art, the uniqueness of the piece, the storytelling and the quality of the work. That matters to me. My clients will have creative input and approval over all aspects of the design of their artwork because I want them to be happy with their story. It is paramount that my clients are absolutely thrilled with their artwork.
Since launching my art business, I have noticed a change in myself and in my children. We draw together every day. We are more creative and inquisitive. We are more connected to each other and the world around us, and this beautiful benefit was not something I expected. But I am thrilled to be a part of it. I am doing exactly what I was doing before as a female founder, if not more. If you know, you know.
My son was initially disappointed that I was not going to focus as much on DigiKind. We’ve won so many awards and done so much good in our communities and for businesses. He asked me, “Mama, what will you BE? What will you DO?”
And I said: “I will be me, darling.”
He now sees what ‘that’ is and as we painted and drew together recently, as I advised him on how to manipulate his imported hand drawn images on Procreate, he told me that I had the coolest job in the world.
Me in my studio
It is a joy to inspire your children. Especially when you are doing what you love.